A new publication reports that 91% of colorectal cancers were detected at 90% specificity in a completed prospective trial using Volition's Nu.Q(TM) assays

NAMUR, Belgium, May 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- VolitionRx Limited (NYSE MKT: VNRX) today announced the publication of a research paper entitled "Circulating nucleosomes as new blood-based biomarkers for detection of colorectal cancer". The study was published in Clinical Epigenetics in collaboration with the CHU UCL Namur, Site de Mont Godinne, Belgium.

Volition's Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Reynolds, commented, "I am delighted that this paper reporting one of our earlier pilot studies has been accepted for peer review publication. To detect colorectal cancer and pre-cancerous polyps with such high accuracy is extremely encouraging, particularly the high early-stage detection. We are focused on using these exciting results to develop our frontline product. Our product development process involves large trials of thousands of patients and extensive assay development work at our new purpose-built facility in Belgium."

The lead author of the paper, Professor Jean-François Rahier, is a gastroenterologist and a recognized member of the Belgian research group on inflammatory diseases BIRD (Belgian IBD Research group) and the European group ECCO (European Crohn and Colitis Organization). Professor Rahier commented, "The development of better methods for the early detection of colorectal cancer is critical for the improvement of patients' survival rates. We have found that a Nu.Q™ panel test detects colorectal cancer and pre-cancer with high accuracy, indicating it may prove to be useful as a routine clinical colorectal cancer blood test."

Our four Nu.Q™ assays demonstrated Colorectal Cancer (CRC) detection accuracy of 74% sensitivity at 90% specificity and detected all stages of the cancer, including 75% of early stage I cancers. The study also showed that by using an age adjusted scoring system the accuracy of CRC detection increased to 91% of cancers at 90% specificity. The study consisted of 58 patients over 50 years of age classified into three groups based on their colonoscopy reports: (i) patients with CRC (n = 23), (ii) patients with polyps (n = 16), and (iii) healthy controls with no endoscopic lesions (n = 19).

The results in early stage cancers showed to be particularly positive in comparison to the current, most commonly used blood test for colorectal cancer, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). In this study, in comparison to the Nu.Q™ results, the CEA results gave a detection rate of 35% of cancers overall at 90% specificity; however, critically, CEA detected no stage I cancers. Not only did the study show very good early stage detection with Nu.Q™ assays, it also demonstrated high pre-cancer polyp detection, with a different Nu.Q™ panel of four assays detecting 62% of polyps at 90% specificity. These are both extremely encouraging outcomes of the study.

Volition is a multi-national life sciences company developing simple, easy to use blood-based cancer tests to accurately diagnose a range of cancers. The tests are based on the science of Nucleosomics®, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid -- an indication that disease is present.

As cancer screening programs become more and more widespread, our products aim to help to diagnose a range of cancers quickly, simply, accurately and cost effectively. Early diagnosis has the potential to not only prolong the life of patients, but also to improve their quality of life.

Volition's research and development activities are currently centered in Belgium, with additional offices in London, New York, Texas and Singapore, as the company focuses on bringing its diagnostic products to market first in Europe, then in the U.S. and ultimately, worldwide.

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